Factors Motivating Generation Z in the Workplace: Managerial Challenges and Insights

Camelia Surugiu, Marius-Răzvan Surugiu (), Cătălin Grădinaru and Ana-Maria Grigore
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Camelia Surugiu: Faculty of Administration and Business, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Marius-Răzvan Surugiu: Institute of National Economy, 050711 Bucharest, Romania
Cătălin Grădinaru: Faculty of Administration and Business, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Ana-Maria Grigore: Faculty of Administration and Business, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-24

Abstract: The paper aims to identify the powerful forces of Generation Z’s (Gen Z) work motivations, considering four key drivers: recognition, appreciation, well-being, and skills. Four hypotheses were developed, and Gen Z-triggering motivational factors at work were analyzed using a survey approach. Using the collected data, a logistic regression model was constructed to investigate the effects on work motivation. An in-depth interview of managers from different companies was applied to identify Gen Z’s perceptions about the workplace. All four predictors proved to influence work motivation significantly. According to the answers of Gen Z’s members, wage is the primary motivator for them to increase work efficiency, with other financial and non-financial factors being less significant. Gen Z is generally not teamwork-oriented and prefers working alone to demonstrate their abilities and achieve greater efficiency. Gen Z switches jobs frequently and shows low loyalty to organizations, often prioritizing personal preferences over long-term commitment. This study explores Romanian Gen Z-triggering motivational factors and shows the motivators for increasing work efficiency. It provides unique insights into a less teamwork-oriented, low loyalty to organizations segment, filling a literature gap and offering business recommendations for connecting with this generation.

Keywords: work appreciation; work recognition; organizational well-being; skills development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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